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With NFL preseason 2007 in the books and fantasy football drafts over and done, the time is now for fantasy owners everywhere to prepare their rosters for the action. The Hazean is going to offer a weekly column with some advice on who to start and who to bench, and here is the first edition.

Start ’em

Quarterbacks

Peyton Manning versus New Orleans: I know, Captain Obvious. But we may as well get this out of the way now … this Manning should never see your bench.

Drew Brees at Indianapolis: Brees is playing against Peyton this week, which means one thing: shoot-out. Expect impressive aerial displays and lots of points by both units Thursday night.

Runningbacks

Willis McGahee at Cincinnati: This is McGahee’s first game as a Raven, and he should see quite the workload against the Bengals’ suspect defense.

Larry Johnson at Houston: LJ said he might not be ready physically for week one, but I do not believe him. Besides, Kansas City has no passing game. He is a stud, start him no matter what.

Wide receivers

Marvin Harrison/Reggie Wayne versus New Orleans: You know Harrison and Wayne are going to light it up Thursday night. These guys go as Peyton Manning goes, which means you should start them every week.

Terrell Owens versus New York Giants: You think TO will be ready for this game? Finally, an offseason with very little TO drama. He seems more mature, and it helps that Tony Romo loves throwing the ball to him.

Defenses

Oakland versus Detroit: Oakland has one of the most under-rater defensive units in the league. Expect them to make a statement at home for the 2007 season against Mike Martz’s pass-happy (and turnover friendly) offense.

Minnesota versus Atlanta: The Falcons may be the 2007 version of the 2006 Houston Texans, but the Vikings have a good enough defense to start against anyone. Joey Harrington looked good in the preseason, but now the games count … expect a return to mediocrity.

Sit ’em

Quarterbacks

Jon Kitna at Oakland: Everyone and their Mom has been drinking the Detroit Lions Kool-Aid this offseason. But do not sleep on Oakland, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Kitna may throw a touchdown, but expect multiple turnovers as well.

Ben Roethlisberger at Cleveland: Big Ben was terrible on the road last year, and until he proves otherwise this year, he should be on your bench when Pitt hits the road.

Runningbacks

Warrick Dunn at Minnesota: Dunn is aging and has a young back behind him in Atlanta, and it does not help that he is going against the Vikings defense in week 1. Plus, this will be the Falcons first real game sans Michael Vick, so we should see how the offense performs in the Joey Harrington era (read: not well).

Cedric Benson at San Diego: You think teams are going to lay back to defend the potent passing attack of the Chicago Bears? Not likely. Benson is going to see a lot of attention as a result of having Rex Grossman at quarterback, and the Chargers D is one of the best in the business.

Wide receivers

Randy Moss at New York Jets: Moss barely practiced this preseason, and Tom Brady is known for spreading the ball around. Do the math.

Lee Evans versus Denver: Denver has two of the best cover-corners in the NFL in Champ Bailey and Dre’ Bly. Evans is going to get all the attention in the Buffalo passing-game.

Defenses

Denver at Buffalo: Despite having great cornerbacks, Denver’s D has been suspect this preseason. Now, we know it was just preseason, but we had to pick someone here.

Carolina at St. Louis: Everyone’s favorite Super Bowl contender last year (Carolina) disappointed on offense and defense. Not much has changed on the defensive side this offseason, which certainly does not bode well for this matchup.

Oooh, tough call. Coles is an established WR1 on his team, while Henderson is WR2 on the Saints. I think Henderson is a more explosive player than Coles, but Coles’ gets it done. Despite the matchup concerns, I think you should start Coles … he is the go-to guy on the Jets.

Will: I think Marshawn Lynch is your best bet at RB2. Bell and Peterson are more in a time-share situation than Lynch, who is expected to carry the full load.

asabagna: I like Romo against the Giants. I know Hasselbeck is a proven guy, but I think Romo has the potential to have a big year, and he certainly has weapons on offense (read: TO) at his disposal.

Bob: Portis is the safest bet of those three. As far as we know, Portis still is the starting back in Washington. Even if he only sees 60 percent of the action, he should perform better than Bell, and hopefully Betts too.

Nick: Usually in a RB/WR flex position, RBs are way more valuable than WRs. Your position is a little tough because DeAngelo Williams is the second man of a RBBC and Vincent Jackson is the No. 1 WR for the Chargers. However, Jackson has a tough matchup in week 1, and it is much easier to get the RB the ball. I would hold my breath and go with Williams for week 1.

Will: I do not think Welker is a better start than Clayton unless Clayton is not playing. All signs point to him starting this week. Keep an eye on it and make that decision on gameday, but I would go with Clayton if he is starting.

Nick: Adrian Peterson has the best matchup of the three. Not sure what Washington is going to do about the RB situation, but you know Minnesota is going to use Peterson after the preseason he had. I would go with Henderson over Berrian because of the matchups (Henderson v. Indy, Berrian v. San Diego).

Usually with your Flex, you want to go RB. In this case, Williams and Bell are you options and it is a tough call. I like Bell a little more right now because he is the starter in Detroit, whereas Williams is RB2 in Carolina.

I have Seattle defense. Should i use them this week against the Bucs?? or should i pick up the raiders D and use them against the lions? what do think will be the better play?? oh yea this site is awsome.

I like Henderson out of you WR group … the other two have tough matchups. Witten is the right play at TE b/c is a primary option for Tony Romo, unlike Watson in New England. Minnesota is the best defensive play of the bunch b/c of their favorable matchup at home against Atlanta.

Will:

I think you would be safe in using Seattle’s D against Tampa. I am not a big fan of the Tampa offense and Jeff Garcia should be good for a few turnovers. Seattle’s D plays well at home, too.

Kee:

Thomas Jones, unless he sits out. You want to start the guy who is a RB1 on his team.

I have a question at WR. Should I start Driver, Favre’s go to guy or Coles, Pennington’s go to guy? I had Driver picked to start but I know he’s got that foot injury and I’m weary that he won’t be 100% at game time.

Good calls and the starts and sits. I have a tough call at RB and my flex this week with a choice between T. Jones, J. Jones, M. Lynch, and L. Betts. I’d normally lean towards T. Jones and Lynch, but T. Jones is coming off the injury and Lynch didn’t show much this preseason and they are both playing tough defenses, as is Betts. I need two, but could also sub in the WR I don’t play out of Clayton and Cotchery, but I try to avoid a WR when I have a RB. Which two would you take and who would you choose between Cotchery (tough D, but good stats in both games last year) and Clayton at WR?

Go with 3 RBs and 2 WRs. Maroney, Lewis and Williams at RB, Fitz and Walker at WR.

Ron:

Tough call. I would wait until gametime on Sunday to decide. Driver is better than Coles, but if Driver is limited you should start Coles. If Driver is starting, though, I would take a chance on him.

media:

I would start Thomas Jones and Marshawn Lynch, despite the concerns. They are both RB1s and should see significant action. I like Clayton out of those two because of the matchup, but be sure to keep an eye on his injury status going into the game this week.

Ok. Yea the chatman thing put a big stain on Ronnie Brown this season. Either way it goes i think i’m going to start Ronnie week 1, if it doesn’t work out well, i’ll stick in ahman green, and still have fred taylor another 1k+rusher incase someone gets hurt.

Ok this is a PPR league so what would you do I got Lee Evans slotted to start, I know you have him as sit em cause of bailey but he might be against bly he lines up on the left side (evans) – bailey on right they usually don’t switch cb spots (i think). Anyway I have Jericho Cotchery, Matt Jones and Brandon Marshall on my bench – with that said who should play this spot ? ?

I have some questions as to who my starting WRs should be in a 3 WR league. I have Chad Johnson as my #1 but am unsure as to my next 2. Right now I have Terry Glenn, Santonio Holmes, Anthony Gonzalez, Amani Toomer and Devin Hester. I am leaning towards Santonio Homes and Anthony Gonzalez. Thoughts?

I think Eli is due for a solid season. He was highly undervalued in drafts this summer. He has a good matchup week 1 against a weakened Dallas’ secondary, so I like Eli more than Vince Young (against the Jags) this weekend.

Dan:

Go with the young guy, Cutler, and see what he can do. He has a better matchup and the weather still is good up in Buffalo.

steve:

Lynch, Barber and Driver. If Driver cannot go, I would go with Cotchery instead. But go with the 2 RBs for sure.

Alex Smith has a better matchup, but Donovan McNabb is a top-2 quarterback when healthy. You gotta go with McNabb for your best chance to win.

I know what they said about Larry Johnson, but he still is your stud and needs to be in the lineup. At the very least, they will use him by the goal-line. Jacobs is a good play against Dallas, and I am not sure yet how the Vikes are going to use Peterson.

Andre Johnson is ahead of Clayton and should post a good week against KC.

Thanks Hazean- With my league canot go 3RB, and 2WR, can only go with 2 RB and 3WR I know my 2 RB are Maroney and D. Williams and for my WR I go with Fitz and Walker, now for my 3WR go with Calvin Johnson or M. Muhammad ? Whats a better match up, Calvin against a tough Oakland DE at home, Or a SD DE at home for Muhammad. Thanks for your help this week, Wont bug you any more this week 🙂

League 1
a) 1 QB, Leinart or Alex Smith
b) San Diego D or Miami D
The rest of my line up is as follows.
Deion Branch, B. Edwards, V. Jackson, WIllie Parker, Edge, and Ahman Green for W/R. Just need help on deciding the QB and Defense to start

League 2
a) 1QB, Kitna or Leinart
b) Minnesota or N.E Defense
The rest of my line up is as follows.
R.Wayne, TJ Housh, D. Branch, Addai, Edge, Barber for my W/R, but i can also switch Curtis, or D. Mason

Ian: I always like the RBs in the Flex, but you have some interesting options. If you want to gamble, go with Brandon Jackson in the Flex. If you think he will be limited, you could try Tatum Bell or Adrian Peterson (play the matchup). If you want to play it safe, Reggie Brown is not a bad choice as McNabb’s go-to guy this year.

Nokia: League 1 — I would go with Leinart and San Diego. League 2 — I like Leinart (again) and Minnesota. Good luck!

pat: Donald Driver is your best option, but check on gameday to make sure he is playing. If he is out, it really is a toss-up between the Jacksons … I like Darrell Jackson a little better b/c of the matchup.

Adam C: Tough call. I think Tony G is worth it, but not Crump yet until we know who he gets along with Harrington.

Budman: I definitely feel you on Holmes, and even though I am a Saints fan I am going to tell you to start Evans. I know he has a tough matchup, but he is a better option against a tough D than Henderson right now. Evans is projected top-15 (some have him top-10), so I think you need to start him (even though we advise against it).

You say sit Denver’s D/ST this week, but what if my other option is Oakland? I would think Detroit would be more likely to run up points than Buffalo, but am curious on your take? Oh, and thanks in advance for the response.

Oakland’s D is under-rated and I think they are a good start this week. I do not trust Denver’s D this year, and I do not think they will be as good as advertised. Kitna and Detroit should be due for a few turnovers.

I would go with Coles. Not sure how Jackson is going to fit in on offense in San Fran yet, but you know what you are getting with Coles.

Rudi Johnson (despite the matchup … start your studs!) and Marion Barber. I know Bell is the starter in Detroit, but I just do not trust him. Barber should be good for a few touches, a few catches, and some goal line opportunities.

I would go with Ronnie Brown until he gives you a reason not to … I do not think Chatman will eat too much into his work load. You can re-assess his situation again after this week, but you drafted him to be your RB2 so give him the benefit of the doubt.

Who should I start as my number 3 wr this week? Usually I would have Lee Evans locked in the number one slot, but with the tough match up Buffalo has, would it be wise to start Devery Henderson over Lee Evans week 1?

Phoebe: Donald Driver. He participated fully in practice today and is expected to start. He is a top-10 WR when healthy.

Ryan: I would go with MJD in week 1 against Tennessee. Normally I would tell an owner to go with Thomas Jones, but starting a healthy MJD is better than starting a maybe-not-fully-healthy Thomas Jones.

Ok, one more…at receiver I’m starting T.O. and Andre Johnson. I’m thinking Vernon Davis too. I have Mark Clayton, Mike Furrey and Alge Crumpler as well….would you go with Davis or one of these other options? ( I need 3 total receivers).

Thanks for answering my last question but i’m in a bind again right before game time. I have to start three wr’s and i have laveraneus coles, marques colston, devery henderson, greg jennings, and dj hackett. Which of these three should i start? or is there someone out there that you think i should pick up? thanks

Ryan: I would go with Davis over the other options, but Mark Clayton is a close second.

drheartbreak: Sorry I could not get to you by gametime (I am a Saints fan and was quite busy!), but I would have told you Colston, Coles and Hackett.

jsb: I like Santonio Holmes and Darrell Jackson at WR, and Julius Jones against a weak run-D at RB. I also would go with Schaub this week to have a good opener for Houston.

Adam: I think it is safe to use Vince Young as your 2nd QB this week. He is too explosive to sit on the bench if you can play 2 QBs.

AvaMatsu: Tough calls here. I would wait-and-see with Randy Moss on Sunday morning. Calvin is going to play, but we do not know how much yet. I think James Jones would be a good addition, and I think it would be wise to drop Hester for him. I would start James Jones and Randy Moss/Calvin Johnson (if Moss is a “go”, start him … if not go with the rook).

Nic: Wow, two guys from the same team. Tough. I think you have to start Chad Johnson and Housh because they are good starting fantasy WRs, and they both would be starting on someone else’s team. I would go with Kevin Curtis as your No. 3 WR.

Thank you for your reply. I just finished trading Colston and J.Lewis for Clavin J and L.Betts last night before the game. Now I have Calvin Johnson and D.Stallworth to choose from.. Who should I start?

Ava: I think Romo is the right play. The Giants D is not very good and they have no one to cover Owens, Witten and Crayton. Big Ben struggled on the road last year, so I want to see how he does in that new offense first before I would play him.

Marc: I would start Ronnie Brown and Ahman Green in your Flex. I like Alge Crumpler at TE over McMichael, for now. McMichael could be a nice sleeper on that St. Louis offense, but I am not ready to use him yet.

I’m also wondering is there any reason to really keep Devin Hester? I’m going to through week one to see how Chicago really uses him, but i never see him as a reliable starter for a WR position i dont think.

Thinking about dropping him and picking up Patrick Crayton since he’s moved into the starting position as well for Dallas atm and could end up doing well and raising his stock, which i could use in a trade later on.

Chris: Burress against Dallas is a better play, in my opinion, than Driver against Philly. I do not like Benson too much, but I think he is the better choice of you RBs this week. You probably drafted him in the 2nd round to be your RB2, so you should use him in that capacity this weekend.

Benson or Jackson will be the flex this week…LT and Westbrook are RB1 and RB2. Does that change anything? I was leaning toward starting Jackson because of the Eagles poor run d, especially w/out Trotter…

Ava: Thanks for visiting the site so much! Start: Driver, Crayton and Housh. Watch for Housh’s injury status on Sunday (even though they play on Monday, you might have to pull him out of the lineup Sunday morning). If you need to pull him, I would start Curtis or Randy Moss, depending on if Moss is playing/healthy also.

Thankee once again sir. I believe i’m out of questions for week 1 now. Think i have my two main teams set up nicely and i grabbed Crayton for both and Jacoby. Hopefully one will turn into what colston did last year!

Great Site! I have one question for you concerning who start as my wide recievers.. I started Reggie Wayne, and need to fill 2 more spots with Santonio Homes, Darrel Jackson, Patrick Crayton and Jacoby Jones.. Which two do you think should start?

I have a flex spot and I am trying to decide over Mark Clayton, or Adrian Peterson. I want to use a RB, but A.P. is my best option I have on the bench and I am unsure how many points he will score as the number to RB. Who do you think will score more in a PPR league?

Hi! I’m new here! I’m not sure how quickly The Hazean replies, but I’ll give it a try! For today, I’m not sure who to put in my flex spot! I know you say to start RBs in the flex spot, but still wanted your input! My two starting RBs are Frank Gore and Travis Henry! My two starting WRs are Steve Smith and Kevin Curtis! Should I put Ronnie Brown or DJ Hackett in my flex spot today? Hopefully you’ll respond before 12:20!

Readers: Sorry I could not get to all your questions this week. I spend most of my weekends out of town, so I will not be available to answer questions after 4 p.m. on Fridays. I hope you all did well this weekend!

Hi! For this coming week I’m unsure about who to play as my QB and my TE….would you play Marc Bulger or Ben Roethlisberger and would you play Tony Gonzalez or Jason Witten? I wish I played Roethlisberger and Witten this past week and I didn’t!

This is an important week for me. Who should I start for QB Tony Romo or Derek Anderson? Who should I start for 1 WR and 2 Flex players out of Randle-El, Ronald Curry, Laverneus Coles, Derrick Ward, Ronnie Brown and Ahman Green

MarcMan: Still gotta go with Romo. Derek Anderson had one good week, let him play a few more before considering to start him. I like Curry at the WR spot against Cleveland. Flex players: Ahman Green and Ronnie Brown (should have a decent week against the Jets).

Haz- Maroney has done nothing for me no fantasy value so far! I got C. Brown, J.Lewis, D.Williams, L. Maroney with two do I start? Or I can Start 1 of them and play my Wrs J. Walker, L. Fitzs, Calvin Johnson, James Jones, V. Jackson I can play 4 of them? whats my best opition. Thanks Haz.

at qb should i start tony romo verse the patriots defense or phillip rivers against the raiders defense? please keep in mind i get 6 points per touchdown pass or run. 1 point per 20 passing yards and 1 point per 10 rushing yards. Interceptions and fumbles lost do not effect me point wise